Business Briefs

FROM THE MARCH ISSUE: Katzen International announces new president, new tech service rep joins Phibro, and Quick Oil Co and Casey's General Stores receive awards.

By Ethanol Producer Magazine | February 15, 2019

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Katzen promotes Vigil to presidentTara Vigil has been promoted to president of Katzen International Inc. Phil Madson, who had been the president since 1993, will remain chairman and CEO.

Vigil joined Katzen as a chemical engineer in 2002. After a succession of engineering and management positions, she was named vice president of business development in 2012. In her role as president, Vigil is responsible for leadership and direction of Katzen’s engineering, technology development and business development operations.

“We are proud to announce Tara’s promotion to president and it is in recognition of the leadership that she has demonstrated progressively during her career,” Madson says. “Her management competency, expertise and strong business acumen have contributed to the solid execution of our operational strategies and substantial growth.”

Madson says the move will provide him with a greater opportunity to support the executive team, engage in corporate strategic planning, and become more directly involved in project development with clients.

“Working together, and with the support of our talented and dedicated associates, this will ensure Katzen’s continued commitment to our clients, which is the hallmark of our company,” Madson says.

Phibro hires tech service repJim Ekenstedt has joined Phibro’s Ethanol Performance Group as senior technical service representative. Ekenstedt’s duties will include supporting EPG’s sales team, ensuring field qualification of products and providing overall technical support for customers.

Ekenstedt joins Phibro with a depth of hands-on industry experience from working within ethanol plants and as a provider of technical services to the ethanol market. He received a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from South Dakota State University in Brookings.

“We are excited to have someone with Jim’s level of expertise join Phibro EPG,” says Jenny Forbes, vice president of products and services for EPG. “The knowledge and experience that Jim brings to Phibro will provide great leadership and continued top-notch technical support for our customers.”

The annual awards, initiated 11 years ago by FuelIowa in partnership with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, recognize fuel marketers going above and beyond to promote and sell home-grown biofuels.

“We commend Casey’s General Stores for their outstanding efforts to educate consumers about higher blends of ethanol,” says Dawn Carlson, FuelIowa president and CEO. “Casey’s has committed to offering E15 at more than 500 locations over the next four years and currently has 13 stores with E15 and E85. In addition, they have participated in educational campaigns to drive consumer interest in these products and have provided significant discounts to draw attention to the new alternative fuels.”

Naig presented the awards during the FuelIowa Annual Membership Meeting in Des Moines, Iowa. The Marketing Awards are designed to honor exceptional efforts to market ethanol and biodiesel through commitment and belief in the product. Winners are selected based upon five core criteria: product offerings, consumer education, hosting special events highlighting ethanol, initiation of new advertisements or marketing efforts, and commitment to increase biofuel availability.FuelIowa is the state trade association representing fuel marketers.